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Species of Pacifica

Many species inhabit the planet Urth. This section serves as a primer for those wanting to learn more about the world of Pacifica.

Humans

Humans are one of the elder species of Urth. They existed before most of the other species, including all the various kin. Prior to humans were the troglodytes, the long lost giga, and the gods.

Although their numbers were low after the War of Essence, humans have become one of the most prevalent species in The Republic of Pacifica. The key to their success is their intelligence and adaptability. High intelligence allows them to develop the most advanced technology which levels the playing field with physically hardier species.

While humans still maintain the highest technological level, much of their knowledge was destroyed in the War of Essence. As such, humans had to reinvent many of the tools they currently use.

Humans create whatever tools they need to adapt the environment. They often guard the secrets of their technology closely to ensure an edge against competitors. This allows them to maintain control of the economy and trade near their cities. Humans are known as master craftspeople and are frequently employed to solve technical problems for other species.

Some humans look down on the other species for their lack of intelligence, but most see the benefits of their fellow beings. Treatment of other species varies from one area to another.

Kin

Kin is a catch all term for a number of species that are anthropomorphic in nature. Some individuals of these species find the term pejorative, while others embrace it. Most of the time kin cannot communicate with the animals they resemble.

Cyano

An avian race approximately 4’ tall. Resembling Steller’s Jay, they are frequently referred to as jay-kin. They have three fingered hands on their wings. They tend to be loud, brash, and energetic which does not always help them in getting along with other species. Cyano are often employed as messengers and spies because of their flying ability.

Cyano culture is organized around family. They frequently use “brother” and “sister” as terms of respect even if there are no actual blood ties to the individual being addressed. Actual jays will sometimes be referred to as “little cousin.”

The lontra and cyano both have an enmity with the urodela who are traditional enemies of both species.

Lontra

An otter-like species slightly shorter than humans. They average 4’7”-5’5″ tall. While a bit slow on land due to their shorter legs they are extremely quick and agile in water. Their natural talents often find them taking jobs on, near, or in water. They are frequently found on docks in cities or near rivers working as sailors, fishermen, or ferrymen.

The lontra and cyano both have an enmity with the urodela who are traditional enemies of both species.

Urodela

Salamander-like beings that stand 2-3’ tall. They are a relatively young race and not as advanced as the others. Urodela also tend to be quite aggressive and typically do not have good relations with other races. They survive by raiding settlements and scavenging.

Because they resemble Pacific giant salamanders they are often called salamander-kin or sal-kin for short.

They
are quite resilient and can regenerate lost limbs. This
regenerative ability encourages their aggressiveness since severe
wounds can often be healed with time.

The small size of the urodela combined with stealth makes them effective spies that can often infiltrate settlements to find weaknesses before a raid.